Best Robot Vacuums
The top robot vacuums do a great job of picking up pet hair and other debris on hard floors and carpet. However they leave a lot of debris on the baseboards and furniture.
Certain models can be operated via a smartphone application, while others require physical remotes. Certain models have advanced features, such as LiDAR navigation or floor plans that can be modified.
Object Avoidance
The most effective robot vacuums come with sophisticated navigation systems that can avoid obstacles like walls, furniture and cords. They have object-avoidance technologies that detect toys, pet foods and other debris that could block the path of the machine, or be taken up by the suction. These features will help you save time by preventing your robot from getting stuck in the couch or behind the bed.
Some of the more advanced robots, like the Roborock S7 MaxV Ultra and Samsung Jet Bot AI+, use cameras and lasers to create a map of your home. This lets them navigate more precisely and accurately. They also can detect changes to your living space, such as if you move an item of furniture. This isn't a feature that every robot has, but it can make a huge difference in the performance and convenience the new gadget.
Many of the less expensive models rely on simple bump sensors to guide them through your home. These can work well in many situations, but they can easily get hung up on items that are too close, like shoes and lamp cords. They are cheaper and do not have the ability to recognize when an obstacle is missed. You may need to create digital zones around your home to keep certain objects out.
Even the most powerful robot vacuums may be stuck on larger objects like chair legs or dog poop messes. If the object is too big the robot may not be capable of lifting it, and may be forced to push it over or around the edge of the room, causing unsightly skid marks on your floors. If you have a pet or cat, you might have to block their path with a piece of furniture or a box. Some robots will permit you to create a virtual barrier using the app.
The most advanced robotic vacuums in this list make use of object detection, which works in optimal and low-light conditions to determine what's right in the vicinity of them. The DEEBOT OMNI and the X1 OMNI robots, for example are equipped with TrueDetect 3D obstacle avoidance that can sense up to 30 different kinds of obstacles in optimal lighting.
Self-Emptying Basses
Whether you have allergies or don't have the time to manually empty the dust bin of a robot vacuum after each cleaning session, self-emptying bins are an option to look for. These bins can hold anything from 45 to 60 days of waste, meaning they should be emptied much less frequently than the robot's onboard bin.
Many of the top-rated robotic vacuums have this feature such as iRobot's Roomba i3+ and i7+ models Shark's AI robot the Roborock S8, and several others. You'll have to purchase the self emptying base separately unless it is included in the robot.
In addition to decreasing the amount of time you spend on cleaning, a self-emptying base will also help you save money on dust bags that need to be replaced and keep your home clean. Based on the manufacturer the base comes with separate filters that can capture allergens, but they might need to be cleaned out regularly. To maintain optimal performance it is recommended to make use of the filters and accessories suggested by the manufacturer.
The suction power of a robot is another aspect to take into consideration. Although there is no standard power scale that all companies follow, some offer Pascal (Pa) levels to give you an idea of the robot's performance. In general, the more powerful the Pa rating the more powerful the vacuum.
A good robot should also come with features that are easy to use and a user's guide that is simple to follow. A well-written manual can help you learn about the basics and help you solve problems as they arise. This is vital since these machines aren't inexpensive. It is recommended to look for a manual that includes instructions on maintenance setting up, troubleshooting and configuration. If you're using a mobile app to control the robot, you should be able to see the available settings and set them by rooms, zones or floor surfaces. Some apps let you schedule specific cleaning sessions and even command the robot with a voice. A number of well-known brands allow you to design your own cleaning schedule and create virtual no-go zones. The best robots will allow you to save a cleaning schedule and return to it at any point. If you fail to complete the task, the robot will resume where it started.
Long-Lasting Batteries
Although robot vacuums don't have the same power as the full-sized corded upright and cordless stick models, their specially-designed motors are designed to be energy efficient. The best robot vacuums can last for hours on a single battery charge. They also charge themselves and resume cleaning when they reach their base, without you needing to join them. In our tests, we discovered that a 90 to 100-minute battery life is ideal for the majority of homes and will give you enough time to thoroughly clean your whole apartment on one go.
The average dust bin on a robot vacuum will need to be cleaned every few cleanings. This can be a challenging task, particularly if you have a large home or a lot of pet hair on your floors. This is where self-emptying robot vacuums can save you some major frustration. This feature lets the machine empty its own bin and blow and wash its filter after each use, ensuring that it's ready for its next vacuuming session.
official statement of robot vacuums come with an adjustable or built-in water tank, which allows them to clean hard surfaces. This is particularly useful when your floors are heavily tiled or have hardwoods that need some extra attention between vacuuming sessions. However, these mopping robots typically don't have the same amount of suction as a traditional vacuum does and are more prone to squishy with spills of liquid.
Consider a robot which can vacuum and mop simultaneously such as the Ecovacs T30S Combo Robot or the Shark IQ XL. Both of these top picks have excellent performance and offer excellent value. They both have a decent suction level and come with a large self-emptying base station. They may not have the advanced navigational capabilities of our top-rated robots and therefore they might not be able tackle your entire house on a single battery charge.
Another alternative for a hands-free cleaning robot is the Eufy 11S. The model isn't expensive and doesn't come with a removable or built-in water reservoir. However, it has an excellent suction level (2,500 Pa) and is able to be used to sweep, mop and spot clean your floors. The 11S doesn't have the ability to vacuum furniture or stairs but it's an excellent choice to keep your floors looking clean between manual vacuuming and mopping sessions.
Easy Maintenance
Robot vacuums are fantastic to save time and energy, but they require regular maintenance. Certain models require less effort than others. For example, choose one with a self-emptying base to reduce the number of instances you need to empty the trash can manually when cleaning. This feature is especially useful when your pet sheds often or if it's an habit to not remember to sweep up and mop.
In addition to the regular features like suction and a rotating brush and suction, many of our top picks also have extras that help reduce cleanup time even further. Think about a multisurface cleaner which includes a mopping mat that is simple to attach and remains in the right place, or a vacuum that utilizes LiDAR navigation to identify dirt areas around your home, allowing it to remove them completely.
Certain models let you set a schedule or designate rooms that need to be cleaned and utilize smart home voice assistants that control the vacuum with your voice. Some models have advanced software that can learn the layout of your home and help you overcome obstacles. However, you'll have to pay a premium for these features.
Robot vacuums are available in a range of prices, ranging from $100 for the ILife V3s Pro which is only suitable for hardwood floors, up to $1600 for the Roborock Q5 maximum+, which can mop and vacuum both carpets and hardwoods. As with most things that you purchase, if you require more features, it will cost more, but there are options for everyone's budget.
If you're looking for a basic bump-and-roll vac or an intelligent-mapping model that will clean your washboard while you're on vacation, we've got the best robot vacuum for you. This Black and Decker X40 has outstanding object-avoidance technology that allows it to move around toys and furniture without getting stuck. It's also equipped with WiFi and can be used with Alexa or Google Assistant so you can schedule cleanings and remotely control the vacuum.
For more tips on choosing the best robot vacuum, read our comprehensive guide to robotic mops and our buying guide for the top robotic vacuums. Make sure to look over our recommended shipping dates so that your delivery for the holidays is on time.